How CNN's Free Ad-Supported Channel Found Success in Its First Year
CNN's new FAST (Free Ad-Supported Streaming Television) project, CNN Headlines, has achieved unexpected success in its first year of operation. The channel launched in July 2025 with live and original programming, including "CNN Headline Express," airing at 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. Eastern.
Since January, CNN Headlines' audience has nearly doubled: the latest quarterly report showed the channel up 192% year-over-year, with individual viewership up 51%. That growth points to the appeal of a format built on fast-turnaround news, engaging interviews and straightforward storytelling — at a time when trust in journalism faces real headwinds.
The project is led by Melodie Taylor, CNN's senior director of U.S. programming and executive producer of CNN Headlines. The Atlanta-based veteran has been with the network since 2012. In an interview with TVNewser, she discussed CNN Headlines' success and pushed back on the idea that it's simply a digital version of HLN.
Taylor describes CNN Headlines as a full-fledged, free ad-supported live network built around delivering a high volume of live news along with engaging, straightforward stories. She previously worked on Robin Meade's "Morning Express" and acknowledges some overlap with HLN, but says both projects have their own space and their own time.
The takeaway for media and advertising professionals: legacy broadcasters are now investing seriously in free, ad-supported digital formats — and finding real opportunity to reach new audiences there.
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